Bistro de la Gare (South Pas) - review - yay! Great dinner!

[The Oracle]

Went to Bistro de la Gare this past Saturday for the first time. Absolutely loved it.

Walked in at 9pm without a reservation. Scanning the tables outside and in -- I thought we were out of luck. We were seated promptly (in the room to the right as you walk in) and were immediately waited on. The room itself was very nice - dark, red tones, vintage posters -- it was a bit on the loud side, so I was thankful that we arrived late (hoping that tables were cleared out). The volume wasn't unbearable nor did it make conversation impossible, it was just noticeably so. The tables were also spaced quite close together (the two top next to us was easily within arms reach) - in a 'bustling bistro' type feel.

We were waited on by 2 different people and a bus boy that could have easily been a waiter as well. There was never a lack of anything, and everyone was extremely pleasant and accommodating - not obtrusive in the least, and they were very much on top of any request. I felt extremely well taken care of.

We ordered escargot to start - the couple next to us (told you the tables were close) said they never ordered it. They raved about loving everything on the menu, recommended the cheese, and shared with us what they had for dinner (the duck special with cherries - delish according to them.)

The escargot arrived sizzling hot and oozing with butter and garlic -- very large snails (probably the most plump I have had) and very delicious (once they cooled down a bit). We were promptly brought another bread basket overflowing with bread (we had hardly touched our first) so we could mop up the garlic butter.

I ordered the white fish. It was a very large portion and doused in a rich butter sauce. It was very good, although perhaps a little TOO much butter. Nevertheless, I would definitely get it again. The carrots served with it were amazingly tasty, as were the beans and cous cous. My dining companion had the filet mignon - which was mouthwatering good.

No dessert because we were stuffed. Not sure what the tab came out to, but mains were priced from 18-22ish, and the app I think was about 8-10. Wines were priced in the 40ish range -- so with our 1 appetizer, 2 mains, and 1 bottle of wine, I'm figuring about $100. Definitely worth it - very cute, romantic room, excellent service, and fantastic food.

In my quest to try and compare Firefly, Bistro K and Bistro de la Gare (all within a stone's throw of each other - and I still have to try Bistro K) - so far, Bistro de la Gare gets my vote, hands down. While I love Firefly's patio -- the food doesn't even come close. Plus, we loved the service at Bistro de la Gare very much. Can't wait to return!